Step up to Saxion.
Linking Higher Education to the World of Work: Saxion Connect
Chris van den Borne, Director International Office
Step up to Saxion.
About Saxion University
• Public University of Applied Sciences
• Multidisciplinary teaching
• First academy established in 1875
• 24,000 students, 2,000 staff
• 1000 international students in International Programmes
• 13 schools, 5 Research Centers for Applied Research
Step up to Saxion.
About Saxion University
• Comprehensive university, predominantly undergraduate level
• Focus on profession-oriented education through teaching and
undergraduate research
• Professional Masters’ programmes in key fields
• Regional focus for most programmes, national profile in key fields
• Quality education under public scrutiny and accreditation
• International Profile and Strategy
Step up to Saxion.
Saxion University in the World
Our International Mission• Each graduate has international
professional competencies and has access to the international job market
• On Education and Research we cooperate with our international partners in projects and joint and double degrees
Step up to Saxion.
An International Community• More than 1,000 international students, coming from all
over the world (60 different nationalities)
Afghanistan Algeria Angola Argentina Brazil Cameroon China Colombia Congo
El Salvador Ethopia Germany Ghana Hungary India Indonesia Iran Finland
Japan Mexico Netherlands Peru Oman Poland Portugal Rwanda Vietnam
Step up to Saxion.
International Strategy• International component in every
study programme
• Internationalisation starting from regional strengths
• International education and research offer for international students and partners
• Network of Preferred Higher
Education Partners
Step up to Saxion.
Partners & International Projects
• Staff Exchange• Students Exchange• Capacity Building• Curriculum Development• Combined Research• Combined Consultancy• Joint and Double Degrees• 3+1 or 3+2 cooperation
Step up to Saxion.
Building a Curriculum for Professional Education
• Each Academy has a Survey Committee from the World of Work that gives input about knowledge skills and attitude
• Curriculum is not only based on contents (scientific disciplines) but also on professional competencies for their future careers
• Curriculum with practical periods outside of the University under supervision of the University staff
• Research projects on real time problems in the world of work
9
Co-Creatie
Students
Teachers World of Work
Coaching / evaluations on process & content-Apprenticeship-Assessment-Review
Accountability ECTS-Portfolio-Personal development plan
Human capital-Ideas-Solutions (services/products)-Junior researchers
Inspiring environment-Challenging Assignments-Coaching on Content
Human capital-Senior researchers-Know-how
Inspring environment-Insight into world of work
Step up to Saxion.
Saxion Connect: Matching high potentials and employers
• Saxion and University of Twente
• Unique opportunities for international graduates and companies
because of the search year
• More information on www.saxion.edu/connect
• Kickstart for students’ career
• Improves students’chances on the job market
Step up to Saxion.
Why Connect?
• International graduates want to stay and work in the Netherlands.
• Employers need workers with international mindset, specific
knowledge and diverse cultural backgrounds
• Shortage of highly skilled workers
• Implementation of search year for employment.
Step up to Saxion.
Partners
• University of Twente
• Chamber of Commerce
• Randstad, Xelvin, Brunel: Recruitment agencies
• Other organizations for expanding our network
and communications: SME (MKB), VNO-NCW
Step up to Saxion.
Recruitment & Selection
• Perspective graduate students
• Selection is based on certain criteria: motivation, talent,
language skills, educational background
• maximum 30 students per year
• Involvement of recruitment companies
Step up to Saxion.
Skills trainings• Job application skills• Communication skills:
– Networking– Presentations– Giving and receiving feedback
• The Dutch labour market• Intercultural skills (3 sessions)• Basic Dutch Language Course
Step up to Saxion.
Results to date• 24 trainees placed• Assortment of firms:
– Small, Mid-size, and Multinationals – Diverse branches
• Wide range of assignments• 2011-2012: 25 candidates
Step up to Saxion.
INDES - EnschedeWanshu Zhang (China), Accounting & Finance
Step up to Saxion.
Future Goals
• Introducing more international content into Saxion curricula.
• Deliver world class international education
• More support policies for international students and staff
• Preparing graduats who can work cross-culturally.
• Strengthen Saxion’s ties with its international alumni
• To reduce prejudice and to develop mutual understanding and
cooperation in different levels.
Step up to Saxion.
Thank you for your attention!Questions?
Step up to Saxion.
Partners & International Projects
• History of cooperation in Eastern Europe and Asia
• Building a network of preferred partnerships
• Active Member of HIB/HBO raad, Profound, NUFFIC council.
• International partners in Europe and Asia